The Intern (2015) REVIEW

When I wanted a nice, harmless film to aid me through the flu this was what I was after! Director Nancy Myers is known for her 'schmaltzy' films in the past - It's Complicated and The Holiday are two fine examples, both pure cheese but both, I have to admit are disarmingly charming. This is no different. In fact, I think the Intern was better. 

Again as per her other outings, she nailed the cast. Robert De Niro plays Ben, a widowed, humble older man who becomes the new senior intern for Internet clothing company owned by Jules , played by Anne Hathaway. Jules at first cannot stand Ben, finds him a nuisance but she soon learns he can be an asset both to her company and to her life. The plot is very predictable, and it doesn't exactly break boundaries but the performances in this film are what make it a cut above the rest. 

Both leads play against type. Hathaway is a cold, distant working mum at first, her character has a real arc and her family life feels initially very believable. (More on that later) De Niro is honestly a revelation here, his performance is very slight, subtle, and reserved. But it works. We care about his character almost instantly. You can't take your eyes off of him. Their chemistry together is brilliant, it holds the film up. Without the main two stars this film could have fallen flat, they turn mediocre into fascinating. The supporting cast, mainly Jules' receptionist and Ben's fellow interns are also on form providing many moment of comedic relief. 

As always with Myers, her films are a glossy idolised version of reality but you can't help getting swept up in it. This is also the films biggest flaw. It is not in any way realistic - for example - Jules always looks immaculate despite apparently never sleeping! The last act of the film sadly let it down for me too, I won't spoil it but when Jules discovers an awful secret about her fiancée, it truly is baffling why she ends up staying with him after the film worked hard to build her as a strong, independent woman? That aside, this is a fun, harmless comedy/drama with a solid cast. 6.5/10